Archive for Author habitatdana

Using Native Trees and Shrubs in the Landscape,

*Plant Selection is the Key!

Complex historical interactions of climate, soils, pollinators, seed disseminators, and herbivory on native flora created the great forest ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest. Ecologists call our region the “Western Hemlock Zone.” The idea is that barring any type of disturbance, long-lived Western Hemlock trees will come to predominate as shade-tolerant young trees grow up to eventually replace other trees such as Douglas Fir. Open areas are usually caused by disturbances such as fire, windfall, flooding, logging, etc., but soils may play a part, too.

Sunset Western Garden Book calls our coastal climate zone in the Puget Sound Region “Marine Influence along the Northwest coast.” We have what is called a Cool Mediterranean Climate; relatively warm, wet winters and relatively cool, dry summers. People are often surprised to find out that summers in the Seattle area are usually dry. This is what helps to make Washington “the Evergreen State.” Other regions have rain in the summer. which would usually be considered the growing season. But when water is limited, plants are unable to grow. Having evergreen leaves make it possible for trees and shrubs to photosynthesize whenever temperature and moisture are suitable.

Most of our native deciduous trees and shrubs grow in moister areas near wetland habitats, which could be swamps, bogs & marshes; seasonal ponds; and lacustrine (along lakes), riparian (along rivers), estuarine (where river meets the tide), or seashore habitats. These wetland areas are especially important for wildlife. Deciduous plant species are more likely to need occasional supplemental irrigation in landscapes. As an adaptation some native plants such as Red Alders and Indian Plums may lose some leaves in late summer.

Our native soils are mostly glacial till, mixtures of clay, sand and gravel deposited by advancing & retreating glaciers. Soils in our landscapes can be very diverse depending on the history of the site regarding the accumulation of biomass, biotic (worms, microorganisms, etc.) and human activity. The physical properties of soil affect fertility, water retention and drainage. Traditional gardeners usually strive to create an ideal loamy soil. Even for a wild garden, it may be necessary to amend the soils in your landscape.

*When we are thinking about using native plants, we still need to keep in mind what is necessary or ideal for plant growth. When selecting plants for your site it is important to take into consideration the soil characteristics, how much moisture will be available to the plant, and the amount of sun or shade.

In her WSU extension bulletin, “Are Native Trees and Shrubs Better Choices for Wildlife in Home Landscapes?” Linda Chalker-Scott said her “literature review revealed that with few exceptions, the native status of trees and shrubs had no impact on wildlife biodiversity.” She argued that “wildlife will adapt to new food and habitat sources as they become available.”

It is true, that just as humans adapt to new environments, so can many species of wildlife.  Some creatures, however, may have a more specialist relationship with the plants with which they co-evolved, especially pollinators adapted to collect from more specialized flowers.

By planting native species, we can also avoid the introduction of non-native species which may be wildly popular with native wildlife, such as the highly invasive, Himalayan Blackberry. Another consideration is that birds can transport non-native seeds from landscapes to distant natural habitats. We often can find non-native plants such as English Holly, Laurel and Ivy growing in forests.

I don’t dispute the science, but I would still argue that it is better to use native species when possible. Some people are more purists and try to go 100% native, but I think 80% or so is a good goal. Also, to reduce your carbon footprint, you may want to grow some of your own food plants. Blueberries, raspberries and Asian pears are some of the easiest to grow. You can allow wildlife to share in your bounty, too!

You just need to be careful to choose appropriate plants for the intended location. If there are no appropriate natives to fulfill a certain requirement, then you can start looking for appropriate non-natives. For example, if you need a smaller tree, you might want to try a Japanese Maple. Or if you need a smaller evergreen, you may look for some cultivated conifer varieties.

Whether you want a wild natural habitat or a more formal look, it is important to do some planning to determine which plants are likely to be successful and fulfill the goals that you have.

  • Plant Selection & Design: I always start out by thinking about the site in question and creating a wish list, keeping in mind how many plants I might need and the budget. I am a horticulturist, not a landscape architect, so am not very good at drawing things out.  I usually just have a general idea in my head and place plants out once I get them.
  • Right Plant, Right Place: As I mentioned above, selecting plants for their sun, shade, and moisture requirements is critical for success, Ultimate size needs to be considered. Large trees such as cottonwoods, conifers, alders, etc. may not be appropriate for a small yard.
  • Special Goals: You may have special goals that you are trying to achieve in your landscape such as attracting wildlife (birds, butterflies, etc.), providing food, screens, erosion control, deer resistance, etc.
    • To create a wildlife friendly habitat, you need to provide food, water, cover and places to raise young. Plants that produce showy flowers, berries and nutritious seeds, will attract pollinators, birds, mammals, other creatures and even their predators.
  • Aesthetic Design Elements: We all want our landscape to be beautiful. Basic design elements to consider are focal points, scale, form, texture, color, balance, fragrance, movement.
  • The 4th dimension: It is important to recognize that landscapes are dynamic, constantly changing. When planning our landscape, we want to try and visualize change through time–the seasons, years, decades, centuries…! Avoid trees or shrubs that will get too big for their location.
  • Set out plants: Start with largest plants to create the “framework.” We can always add more understory plants as time and money allows. Then plant following established planting guidelines. Irrigation will be necessary, at least for the first 1-3 years.

There are many native trees and shrubs that have proven themselves as outstanding performers in home landscapes. Here are some favorites:

Alaska Yellow Cedar, Callitropsis (Chamaecyparis) nootkatensis, grows moderately slowly to 80 feet or more. It is often used in plantings close to commercial buildings; best in sun or part shade.

Mountain Hemlock, Tsuga mertensiana, is an attractive, slower-growing evergreen tree. It generally only gets 20-30 feet in gardens; best in sun or part shade.

Pacific Wax Myrtle, Morella (Myrica) californica, is our best evergreen shrub for screening. It can grow 10-30 feet tall and wide but is often kept smaller by trimming or shearing into a hedge. It fixes nitrogen in association with the bacteria, Frankia sp.; best in sun.

Vine Maple, Acer circinatum, has long been recognized as an outstanding plant for landscapes. It is a shrubby tree and can grow to 35 feet tall. Fall color ranges from orange, scarlet to yellow. It grows well in sun or shade.

Red-twig or Red-osier Dogwood, Cornus sericea (stolonifera), is usually grown for its red winter stems and attractive fall foliage. It is native throughout much of the United States and Canada. Many cultivated varieties have been developed; some dwarf varieties, some with yellow twigs, some with variegated leaves. The species generally grows 7-9 ft. spreading to 12 ft. or more. It likes moist areas and grows in sun or part shade.

Saskatoon Serviceberry, Amelanchier alnifolia, is also native across much of the U.S and Canada. It has attractive flowers and edible blue-black berries. It grows to about 20 ft. tall; best in sun or part shade.

American Cranberrybush, Viburnum opulus var. americanum; while not common in our area, this is our version of the European Cranberry Bush, which includes the Common Snowball. It has outstanding fall foliage, beautiful white lace-cap flower clusters and bright red berries. It is best in sun or part shade.

Pacific Ninebark, Physocarpus capitatus, has attractive white flower clusters, reddish dry seed capsules, and peeling brown bark. It grows to 8 ft. tall; best in sun or part shade.

Pacific Rhododendron, Rhododendron macrophyllum, is our native rhododendron. It has evergreen leaves and large pink flower trusses. It grows to 10 feet or more; best in sun or part shade.

Western Azalea, Rhododendron occidentale, is native to Oregon and California, and is very popular with gardeners. It has large fragrant flower trusses, white to pale rose, with or without a yellow blotch. It is a parent to many cultivated deciduous azalea varieties and grows 9-15 ft.; best in sun or part shade.

Indian Plum, Oemleria (Osmaronia) cerasiformis, is our harbinger of spring. Its white flower clusters and bright spring green leaves are a welcome sight after a dreary winter. It grows to about 15 ft; best in part shade or shade.

Red-flowering Currant, Ribes sanguineum, is one of our most popular natives. Its pink flower clusters attract Rufous Hummingbirds that are migrating up from Mexico in the spring. It grows to about 9 ft; best in sun or part shade.

Tall Oregon Grape, Mahonia aquifolium, has evergreen, often bronzy, holly-like compound leaves. In the spring, it has fragrant, bright yellow flowers and is attractive next to Red-flowering Currant. Its berries make a great jam! It grows 6-8 ft.; best in sun or part shade.  Its smaller cousin, Low Oregon Grape, Mahonia nervosa is a good choice for shady spots.

Pacific Mock Orange, Philadelphus lewisii, has beautiful arching sprays of white fragrant flowers in spring or early summer. It grows to 9-10 ft; best in sun to part shade. It is perfect for forest edges.

Snowberry, Symphoricarpos albus, has unusual white berries and is a versatile shrub which tolerates many different conditions. It grows 6-8 ft; best in sun to part shade.

Salal, Gaultheria shallon, and Evergreen Huckleberry, Vaccinium ovatum, are two of our native evergreen staples. Both have edible berries and attractive evergreen leaves, which are used for greens in the florist trade. They both are slow to establish but can eventually get 3-6 ft. or more.

Kinnikinnick or Bearberry, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, is our best native groundcover for sun (or part shade). It has pinkish-white bell-shaped flowers and red berries. The common name Kinnikinnick is a native word for a plant that was smoked. Both scientific names mean “bear-grape or bear berry.”

Summary: When using native plants in the landscape, like with any garden plant, it is important to select plants that are likely to be successful and fulfill the goals that you have. With climate change coming upon us, we also may want to consider drought-tolerant species that are native south or east of here. Wildlife species may need to find favorable habitats if they are forced to migrate.

The new edition of Gardening with Native Plants of the Pacific Northwest, 3rd Edition by Arthur R. Kruckeberg and Linda Chalker-Scott is now available. (They used 14 of my photos.) Dr. Kruckeberg sat in on many of our seminar classes when I was getting my Master’s Degree at the University of Washington. He often would say that we can’t forget about the native plants and people east of the Cascades!

Science March and Leftist values

I attended the Science March on Earth Day on April 22nd, 2017 in Tacoma, Washington because of my concern over the cuts the Trump administration has proposed to vital government agencies such as the EPA, NIH, NASA, NOAA, NSF, National Parks, and more. Even more concerning is the way in which it has tried to control the availability of scientific reports, especially in regards to climate change, and the way it has tried to silence and bully government scientists so that they have had to express themselves anonymously on alternative websites and social media pages.

In general, the Left appears more supportive of science than the Right, but there has been some criticism of the position of many liberals on certain scientific topics such as vaccines, GMO’s and nuclear energy:

http://kuow.org/post/science-doesnt-care-about-your-ideology-includes-you-seattle-liberals

Even Bill Nye has changed his view on some of these topics, which he discusses with panels of experts on his new TV show on Netflix:

http://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/tv/bill-nye-is-back-and-trying-to-save-the-world-in-new-netflix-series/

As an environmentalist and a hobby genealogist/family historian, I felt the need to respond to concerns about these specific topics.

 

Vaccines: I totally agree with the criticism of people who choose not to vaccinate their children. Vaccines save lives! Throughout history, many children did not survive to adulthood or were left maimed and disfigured because of these devastating diseases. It is unfortunate that many diseases that were nearly eradicated are making a comeback because of people choosing not to vaccinate. This puts not only their family at risk, but others in society, including babies who are too young to vaccinate and those with suppressed immune systems.

There was an infamous scientific report published in The Lancet that associated vaccines with autism. That report was debunked and declared fraudulent…Anyone can make a claim, but scientific studies must be able to have its data evaluated and reviewed. Studies must be able to be replicated with consistent results.

There also has been some concern over carrier chemicals used in conjunction in the administration of vaccines.  I am confident that medical researchers will continue to develop new and better formulations:

http://www.publichealth.org/public-awareness/understanding-vaccines/vaccine-myths-debunked/

I have often said that I believe the reason that the rates of autism and other diseases are on the increase are more likely due to chemicals in our food and in our environment. (Our addiction to computer games and many hours of screen time are likely affecting the brains of our children as well.) More scientific study is needed—-not less!

This leads me to the next topic:

GMOs, Genetically Modified Organisms: I believe there are a lot of environmental and ethical concerns that need to be addressed in regards to GMOs.

First of all, proponents argue that GMO’s are just another tool used to create varieties of plants and animals that will be useful in agriculture and our quest for food security. They claim it is not much different than traditional plant breeding efforts.

Ethics: It is true that we have adapted many species of plants and animals over several millennia for our purposes. But inserting DNA from unrelated species into other species seems a bit more “unnatural.” I think that this topic should be debated by ethicists. Just because something can be done, doesn’t mean it should be done!

I have a problem with the patenting of living organisms. Especially in regards to how Monsanto has defended its patent rights in the past. Farmers should be able to save their seeds to replant the following year, yet teams of Monsanto’s patent lawyers have gone after seed saving companies and farmers that have tried to save their seed for replanting. Even neighboring farms, who did not plant the patented crops, who had their crops “contaminated” with Monsanto’s GMO’s were targets sued for patent infringement. Companies like Monsanto REQUIRE that new seed be bought every year. Meanwhile, the availability of seed is in the hands of very few companies so that they have a virtual monopoly.

http://foodsecurity.uchicago.edu/research/preserving-seed-diversity/

http://www.seedsavers.org/site/pdf/HeritageFarmCompanion_BigSix.pdf

Safety: I am not as concerned about the safety of GMO’s themselves in our food as I am about associated risks. The whole purpose for “Round-up Ready” crops, is so that farmers could use Round-up to kill weeds, but not their crops. So, we are at risk of having Glyphosate residue on our produce and in our environment. Glyphosate HAS been linked to autism and may also be a risk factor in other diseases—More research, needs to be done!

https://vaccineimpact.com/2017/study-reducing-herbicide-glyphosate-in-diet-reduces-autism-symptoms/

Environment: If we are using GMO crops so we can spray more chemicals, that is bad for the environment. But it may be good if we can reduce the spraying of chemicals. There is a debate raging on the safety of BT crops. People can do their own research and decide:

https://www.geneticliteracyproject.org/2015/04/19/consumer-reports-anti-gmo-groups-bungle-science-in-bizarre-attack-on-bt-pesticide-used-by-organic-farmers/

I am also concerned about the escape of GMOs into natural environments. This is especially a concern when it comes to fish and tree species. It is hard to predict how natural populations would be able to compete against GMO’s. I always think of the chaos theorist in Jurassic Park who says “No, I’m, I’m simply saying that life, uh… finds a way.”… and then the dinosaurs escaped the island on which they were confined…

http://knowgenetics.org/ecological-concerns-of-gmos/

Photo from Science March Facebook page

—“Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could that they didn’t stop to think if they should.” —Another Jurassic Park quote.

 

Nuclear Energy: Many scientists contend that nuclear energy is necessary source of energy if we are to satisfy the demand for energy while reducing reliance on carbon polluting fossil fuels.  The two main reasons that I oppose nuclear energy is the potential for disaster and the enormous cost to build and maintain nuclear energy facilities.

Danger: The potential for disaster is too great. We all saw the devastating effects in Japan after the earthquake and tsunami in 2011. As well as historical failures at Chernobyl and Three Mile Island.

How long does nuclear waste last? –“Radioactive isotopes eventually decay, or disintegrate, to harmless materials. Some isotopes decay in hours or even minutes, but others decay very slowly. Strontium-90 and cesium-137 have half-lives of about 30 years (half the radioactivity will decay in 30 years). Plutonium-239 has a half-life of 24,000 years.” –from the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. That is a long time to keep dangerous materials contained! I can’t help but picture people of the future unknowingly stumbling across a forgotten nuclear waste storage facility!

Here in Washington State, we are still struggling to contain nuclear waste at Hanford that was left over from WWII.

Expense: Nuclear energy is expensive. Older facilities need maintenance and building new ones cost a lot. Many projects have been abandoned due to lack of funds and/or lack of support. Meanwhile, the cost of clean, renewable energy sources has come down in price. Renewables: wind, solar, geothermal, tidal, etc. are starting to be a major part in our energy mix.

What poses the greatest danger to our future? What should we really be scared of?

We need to let scientists study and evaluate data so that we can come to rational conclusions regarding these questions. How serious is the threat of Climate Change, terrorism, and gun violence? Let’s face it we are human; we often let our emotions get the better of us. But we need to take a step back and look at what is really true, like what are the current leading causes of death in the U.S and what do we need to study to be able to find solutions to these problems?

 

 

 

 

“Let’s be clear. The planet is not in jeopardy. We are in jeopardy. We haven’t got the power to destroy the planet – or to save it. But we might have the power to save ourselves.” ― Michael Crichton, Jurassic Park

 

 

 

Ecological Garden Designs Index

Native Plant Gardening

Wildlife Gardening

Xerophytic Gardens

Rain Gardens

Green Roofs

Eco-Lawns

Landscaping for Energy Conservation

Permaculture & Vegetable Gardens

Fern Gardens & Stumperies

Moss Gardens

Guerilla Gardening

Also Check out my articles at West Sound Home & Garden:

Want Carefree Gardening? Tips for Ecolawns and Other Low-Maintenance Ideas

Native Plant Gardening Index

Using Native Trees and Shrubs in the Landscape

Landscaping With Natives

Edible Native Berries

Ethnobotanical Gardens

Propagation of Native Plants

Growing Endangered Species

Prepare for Global Warming with California Natives

Meaning and Derivation on some Scientific Names of Pacific Northwest natives (PDF)

The Heath Family–Family Ericaceae

Also check out my articles on the Westside Home & Garden Blog:

Water, Wild Plants, and Wildlife–How to Create a Backyard Sanctuary for Wildlife

Best Native Plants for Protecting Your Hillside from Erosion

Scientific Names of Plants Demystified

And B&B online (The Official Publication of Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association):

Not Just Another Native: Unusual and Underused Natives

Design Considerations Index

Climate

Soils & Geology

Natural Habitats & Ecosystems

Vegetational Zones

Special Habitats

Urban Ecology

Functional Landscapes

Screens, Hedges, & Hedgerows

What will grow in this spot? Climate Zones & microclimates

Basic Botany

Bulbs, Corms, Tubers, Rhizomes

 

Also Check out my article at the Westside Home & Garden:

Conservatories, Greenhouses, Cold Frames and Sunrooms

Food for Quail

   Someone recently contacted the nursery where I work interested in buying plants that will improve her  habitat for quail. This is what I came up with for her:

   I am assuming you are referring to California Quail.

   Habitat in general is the most important thing to consider. Quail eat tender leaves in late winter and spring, but rely mostly on seeds. They will also eat insects such as ants, beetles, grasshoppers & crickets. I always recommend that people who want to create habitat for wildlife should not be neatniks, because many of the plants that wildlife depend upon are considered weeds by people. And of course, as you mentioned in your email, they need shrubs for protection (cover) and access to water, too.

   I am attaching scanned pages from American Wild life & Plants, A Guide to Wildlife Food Habits, by Alexander C. Martin, Et.al. (1951) (It is a Dover Publication published by agreement of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, so is not under copyright.) It lists weeds that you may want to encourage in your yard.

Quail Food

  In addition, food plants that we have at the nursery would include:

Seeds:

Oregon White Oak, Quercus garryana

Deerbrush, Ceanothus velutinus

Redstem Ceanothus, Ceanothus sanguineus

Pacific Mock Orange, Philadelphus lewisii

 

Fruit:

Coast Silktassel, Garrya elliptica

Nootka Rose, Peafruit Rose, Baldhip Rose, Rosa sp.

Salmonberry, Thimbleberry, Blackcap Raspberry, Dewberry, Rubus sp.

Redtwig Dogwood, Cornus sericea

Soapberry or Buffaloberry, Shepherdia Canadensis

Twinberry, Lonicera involucrata

Coast Strawberry, Wild Strawberry, Wood Strawberry, Fragaria Sp.

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